Picking a mirrorless camera in 2019 isn’t getting any easier as there are more manufacturers than ever before. Some cameras are geared towards photographers, others are more suitable for videographers, while some of them are almost equally good for both tasks.
We’ll try to help you make the decision with our list of best mirrorless cameras of 2019. Keep in mind that we’ll make sure to update this list as new cameras are released during the year, so check back if you’re not yet ready to make the purchase.
Sony A7III – Our Pick for Best Mirrorless Camera of 2019
image source: Sony
Many publications named it the best mirrorless camera last year, and we believe this still holds true. If you like to shoot photos, as well as videos, there’s no better option on the market at this price point. The camera features a 24MP full-frame sensor that is excellent even in low light conditions, and autofocus works great in all situations, thanks to A7III’s 693 phase-detection AF points with 93% image coverage, which is more than almost all other cameras on the market today.
We can’t forget other useful features like great battery life, dual SD card slots, Eye AF that is best in the business, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization.
A lot of photographers have switched to Sony A7III from Canon and Nikon DSLRs, but it is just as popular with filmmakers thanks to its sharp 4K video and its ability to shoot slowmotion video (120fps at 1080p). If you want the best of both worlds, the A7III is the camera for you.
Sony A7III Pros
- Great autofocus
- Sharp 4K video
- Shoots 120fps 1080p video
- 10fps burst shooting
- Excellent battery life
- Two SD card slots
Sony A7III Cons
- Touchscreen controls are pretty limited
- Menus could be better
Fuji X-T3 – Best APS-C Mirrorless Camera 2019
image source: Fujifilm
Released near the end of 2018, the X-T3 easily takes the title of the best APS-C mirrorless camera. Fuji cameras are well respected among the photographers, but the latest iteration is having many videographers reconsider their camera of choice, especially considering the latest upgrades to the processor and autofocus system (the whole sensor is now covered with phase detection points).
Fujifilm X-T3 can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps (in 10bit!), as well as 1080p video at up to 120fps. The only downside compared to the A7III would be the lack of IBIS. However, Fuji ecosystem isn’t just about the specs. Fujifilm also has a wide selection of APS-C lenses that will satisfy all types of shooters and this is a big plus!
In conclusion, the X-T3 is a very serious mirrorless camera that features a next generation APS-C sensor and top-of-the-line processor. This combination allows you to take great photos and videos while everything feels snappy and runs smoothly.
Fuji X-T3 Pros
- Great image quality
- 4K video at up to 60fps!
- 120fps slow motion video
- Two SD card slots
Fuji X-T3 Cons
- Batter life could be better
- No in-body image stabilization
Canon EOS R – Best Canon Mirrorless Camera 2019
image source: Canon
Canon finally gave in and released a full-frame mirrorless camera in 2018. It features a 30.3MP CMOS sensor, which is on par with the one found in their flagship DSLR – the EOS 5D Mark IV.
The sensors on these cameras are actually very similar, but there’s one big difference. The EOS R sensor features phase-detection system with 5,655 detection points! Pair that with Dual Pixel AF for which Canon is known for and you get a camera that will rarely miss a subject, both in photo and video modes. Speaking of video, the camera can shoot 4K at up to 30fps, but unfortunately there’s 1.74x crop. There’s also 60fps mode in 1080p and 120fps in 720p.
The other disappointment is the lack of in-body image stabilization, but it seems no camera has it all. The electronic viewfinder is quite good and the 3.15″ fully articulating screen is also a welcome feature. Sure, this camera may not be for everyone, but if you love Canon colors and want the best mirrorless camera they offer – this is the one to get.
Canon EOS R Pros
- Dual Pixel Autofocus
- 5,655 phase-detection points
- Fully articulating screen
- Good menus
Canon EOS R Cons
- No in-body image stabilization
- Cropped video in 4K
- One SD card slot
Nikon Z7 – Mirrorless Camera With Best Resolution
image source: Nikon
Until recently, Sony A7RIII was the king when it comes to resolution on full-frame mirrorless cameras, but this is no longer the case. Meet Nikon Z7, the 45.7MP monster that offers just as much resolution as Nikon’s very own and highly praised D850 DSLR camera. The Z7 takes incredibly sharp and detailed images, but also features 493 phase-detect AF points that cover 90% of the sensor, which is more than can be found on the D850.
Only a couple of native lenses for the Z-mount have been developed so far, but a lot of them are planned for late 2019 and 2020. Thanks to its resolution, this camera will mostly interest landscape and portrait photographers, who’ll be happy to hear that some very interesting lenses are on the way, including Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S and Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct lens!
On top of this, the camera features in-body image stabilization and 4K recording option (10-bit via HDMI), and 120fps in 1080p. It also and has a 8K time-lapse mode. Unfortunately, the camera uses expensive XQD cards instead of SD cards, and it has only one XQD slot. With that said, if you need the highest resolution possible on a full-frame mirrorless camera, this is the one to get.
Nikon Z7 Pros
- Amazing 45.7MP Sensor
- In-body image stabilization
- Great viewfinder
- Good handling
Nikon Z7 Cons
- One XQD card slot
- Expensive
- Needs more native lenses
Panasonic GH5 – Best Mirrorless Camera for Video
image source: Panasonic
If you’re primarily a video shooter, the Panasonic GH5 is certainly the mirrorless camera to consider. While the GH5 doesn’t have great autofocus like the A7III or Fuji X-T3, it does offer 4K video recording at up to 60fps (Fujifilm X-T3 is the only other camera on this list with this feature), as well as 1080p recording at up to 180fps, making it very versatile when it comes to video work. On top of that, the in-body image stabilization on the GH5 is arguably the best out there.
Of course, the GH5 can take some decent photos as well, but since it features a micro 4/3 sensor, you can’t really expect the level of performance you’d get from bigger sensors, especially in low light.
Overall, Panasonic GH5 is an excellent camera for video that can take good photos as well, but there are far better options on our list if you’re mainly into photography.
Panasonic GH5 Pros
- Great 4K video at up to 60 fps
- Slow motion video up to 180fps in 1080p
- Fully articulating screen
- Great EFV
Panasonic GH5 Cons
- Pretty big body considering the sensor size
- Battery life could be better
Canon EOS M50 – Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera 2019
image source: Canon
Canon EOS M50 was released in early 2018 with the suggested retail price of $899 (with the kit lens), however, a lot of stores are now selling it with discounts in the vicinity of 30 percent, making it one of the best cheap mirrorless cameras on the market right now.
If you’re a beginner photographer or videographer, this 24MP APS-C camera is an excellent choice. It features Canon’s Dual Pixel AF, which is considered by many the best autofocus system in the business. It works great for photos, as well as 1080p video, but unfortunately it isn’t enabled when shooting 4K video.
One of the main downsides of this camera is the actual EF-M ecosystem, which unfortunately doesn’t have many native lenses just yet. However, if you’re just a beginner looking for good yet cheap mirrorless camera, this won’t matter much.
Canon EOS M50 Pros
- Dual Pixel Autofocus
- Compact size
- Flip out screen
Canon EOS M50 Cons
- Limited number of native EF-M lenses
- No Dual Pixel Autofocus in 4K
Conclusion
Picking the right mirrorless camera in 2019 essentially comes down to your needs. Are you a photographer, videographer, or maybe a hybrid shooter? No matter the case, our list probably has the right camera for you. Make sure to go through it carefully and pay attention to pros and cons and how they would affect your shooting.
